Monday, June 14, 2010

Channeling my inner Tucker Carlson

“To its devotees the bow tie suggests iconoclasm of an Old World sort, a fusty adherence to a contrarian point of view. The bow tie hints at intellectualism, real or feigned, and sometimes suggests technical acumen, perhaps because it is so hard to tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers and professors and by people hoping to look like the above. But perhaps most of all, wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think.”—Warren St John, The New York Times

Saturday I was a guest at a wedding of a friend of a friend. Looked to me like a grand opportunity to break out the seersucker and a bow tie. As I got ready that afternoon it occurred to me that hot Southern weddings begged for summer dresses and seersucker, and I was happy to oblige- just on the seersucker of course.

The bow tie really does convey a slight act of defiance, even though I'm not entirely sure who were are defying. Those who wear long ties may scoff at the bow tie wearers but "Scoff away," I say. Really it's the same with me and shorts... I like to wear shorts in the summer and so I do, a lot. Sometimes I wonder if I am dressed the way a toddler would be dressed for church, sans knee socks of course, but that hasn't stopped me. There is something truly classic about a guy in a bow tie.

Bow ties have made a huge resurgence with the younger crowd lately and it works out fine for me. Just allows me more places to shop!

This is the tie I wore Saturday. It was one I picked up at Jos. A. Bank quite a few years ago but it looks nice against the white shirt.

Really, the bow tie subject could lead in to a discussion of folks that don't know how to tie a tie... We won't go there.

As you can see by my awesome blazer, I love seersucker. I've got shorts and shirts, a couple blazers and pants. Seersucker is easily my preferred fabric of choice for summertime. Recently I stumbled upon this seersucker bow tie from dixiePatches. Good thing it comes in a variety of colors!

Vineyard Vines is the old standby for a bow tie for any occasion. I am particularly fond of this flamingo tie, even looks good in black. Possibly my newest favorite line of wares for guys is Southern Proper. So far, everything that I've seen from them has been grand and right on point. This Magnolia pattern is perfect, not really any other way to describe it.Father's Day is this weekend and if your dear old dad can pull off a bow tie, buy him one from one of these fine folks or at a local shop.

Now that you're here...

Hi- My name is Nick. I'm a second-generation cabinet guy that likes sweet tea, football and pastel oxford shirts.

While this is a blog and a blog about design, I don't consider myself a design blogger. I'm a designer with a blog. Actually, I just happen to have a few minutes here and there to share pretty things, attempt to prevent DIY nightmares and pass along tips and tricks for successful, pain-free new kitchen and bathroom installations and remodels.

It'll be fun.

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In 2011, I was VERY honored to be named to the BLANCO Design Council. The Design Council is an elite group of design professionals from around the US. It's a pretty big deal for a country boy like me!